How to Pronounce Similar but Different Vowel Sounds

The average number of vowel sounds in a language is 5 or 6, but English has as many as 20 vowel sounds, so it's no surprise when English learners feel unable to differentiate between similar vowel sounds. This also carries over into pronunciation, with learners pronouncing only the vowel sounds of their own language when they speak in English.

Compounded with the challenges of distinguishing and pronouncing new vowel sounds is the fact that English is not a phonetic language, meaning that the way words are pronounced and the way they're spelt (that is, the letters they're written with) rarely correspond.

Even for me, it was very helpful to learn about phonetic symbols when I was training to become an English teacher. It made me realise that English vowel sounds are not as erratic as they seem (hurray!), and that spelling patterns can be associated with particular sounds. 

The key to overcoming these challenges is to become more aware of the vowel sounds themselves and to practice pronouncing them. The result is more standardised, natural-sounding English pronunciation.

In today's video, we compare 3 groups of similar (but different!) vowel sounds, and we also look at the spelling that usually produces them, as well as some less common spelling patterns.

WATCH HERE: HOW TO PRONOUNCE SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT ENGLISH VOWEL SOUNDS

Hope you enjoy and see you in the comment section under the video on YouTube!

P.S. There are only 5 SEATS LEFT to join my English Coaching programme over the next few weeks. Are you ready to bring clarity, joy and understanding to your English? Are you ready to be patient and kind towards yourself? This involves slowing down, taking a closer look at the English you already have, and allowing insight (not effort!) to make effective adjustments as you become more fluent and articulate in English. Find out more by booking a Consultation call here.

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